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Let’s just call it “fostering independence.”

I am a contributor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping for two years, with a focus on products that make parenting just a bit easier — and hopefully more fun — home decor, kitchen gadgets, and whatever deals I can scope out.

Promising review: "Very nice! Durable, big, and sturdy. All three of my kids can jump at the same time. 14-year-old, 8-year-old, and 6-year-old." —Angel

Promising review: "My daughter loves it! I highly recommend." —Arias

Price: $21.95+ (available in three designs)

This set has a higher price point than run-of-the-mill bug-hunting kits, but you're getting what you pay for. The vacuum included with this set means that an enthusiastic younger kid with pinchers isn't going to squish the specimen, and it will allow kids to get bugs in harder-to-reach places. 

Promising review: "My 9-year-old son loves catching and observing bugs with this. Has held up well. Would buy again." —Samantha

Price: $34.99 (originally $39.99; available in two versions)

I got a climbing dome for my kids last Christmas and ZERO regrets. My kids are climbing on that thing pretty much every day, and my husband and I constantly talk about how it was the best gift we gave them.

Promising review: "My kids love this climbing toy." —Christy

Price: $135.99+ (originally $210.99+; available in two colors and with or without a swing)

Promising review: "These are great little walkie-talkies. I really bought them for when my daughter's at the park, and I'm inside (the neighborhood park is across the street from my house), so that we can keep in touch while she plays with her friends. No issues with sound or reception quality at all! Love them!" —Jane

Price: $21.99+ (available in three colors)

Promising review: "These are great! The kids mastered them in minutes and have been loving to play with them ever since. Our driveway has turned into an amusement park, and our family couldn't be happier. Highly recommend these for any kid older than 4. They are adjustable in length, so even our teenage cousins could join in on the fun. If you're looking for a home run gift for the special kids in your life, this is it!" —HappyCustomer

Promising review: "Love this and so easy to install. Love that you can move the clips and activities once it's up." —Stacy

Promising review: "I bought it for my daughter's birthday, and she hasn't put it down since. The 1080P resolution provides excellent photo quality, and the instant print feature adds a fun, creative element." —Sharon

Price: $28.99 (originally $49.99; available in two colors/designs)

These balloons have a magnetic closure — inside the lining so that none can wiggle loose! — that stays closed for the throw but opens easily for splashing without pain for the kids. While you can use a hose to fill them up, a bucket of water is a fast and easy solution. 

Promising review: "These are AWESOME! It's the perfect answer for hot days when you want to have water balloon fights but don't want to clean up. Easy for my 5-year-old to fill up in a bucket. They work just like they say on the label (a rare treat)! They seem really durable, too. Well worth it." —anonymous

Promising review: "Kids love these. When they are bored and want to stomp around, these rockets are ready for fun!" —Brenda

Promising review: "We love this swing. My kids stay outside more and play less with devices and TV. Easy installation. Even the kids enjoyed putting it up together with my husband." —Kids

Promising review: "Super cute and sturdy. My granddaughter loves it." —Dolores

Promising review: "The kids had a blast using it!! Would buy again in the future. Quick setup, easy to use, and entertainment for the kids. Liked it because it was used well, and they had simple, innocent fun together. No broken windows from baseballs, no sitting in front of video games blowing up things. Just a wholesome energy-exerting game I highly recommend!!!" —Jodi

Promising review: "It's lighter, and the foot rest is less intrusive than other manufacturers. My 20-month-old has no problem picking it up or placing her feet on the ground. There are no brakes or rubber tires, but after using it, I now see no need for them. Saves weight and makes it easier to operate. Less distraction." —Bman

Price: $149.99 (available in four colors)

Promising review: "I bought this Tonka construction tractor recently from Walmart. This is a game changer for keeping kids occupied. It has so many components that something or the other feels like a new piece of adventure to deal with. The car is smooth on turns, even though it may look bulky when fully assembled. Charging is also easy to do. Also, it comes with a remote to control the car, just in case things go awry. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new construction experience for their kids." —Mohit

Promising review: "The construction of the playhouse is easy. Stickers are easily able to be placed. Putting this house together was so fun and very simple. I love seeing my daughter being so happy playing it. Especially when I leave love notes in her mailbox." —anonymous

Promising review: "It's the easiest setup ever! Only two pieces — just the steps and the slide. Best thing ever because it seems to keep her occupied for hours at a time." —Jae

Promising review: "We bought this for our 3-year-old and 1-year-old. It’s a great height and size for them to both play without getting in each other’s space. The top has holes that make the water rain down, which is their favorite feature. Great for a gift or to get for yourself for some easy play time." —WalmartCustomer

Promising review: "Kids love it. Item was just as I expected to be." —DandOW

Promising reviews: "The best sidewalk chalk! The colors are vibrant, and they don't roll away, which is a big thing for little ones." —Mamato5

"It keeps my nieces and nephews busy for hours, and it's easy to clean up after them. Just soap and water, and it's off the kids and on to something else." —Cheryl

Price: $6.29 for a 48-count (originally $7.67)

Promising review: "Bought one for my niece, and she loves it. I'm satisfied with my purchase. ☺️" —Sharmayne

Price: $24.99+ (available in five colors)

Promising review: "It's still going strong after months of daily use. My kids love it. It's great quality. The color hasn't faded either." —amina

Each set includes two wooden putters, two golf balls, three obstacles, and a flag target goal.

Promising review: "When I opened it up, the first thing I noticed was the color was just a perfect color blue. It is really easy to clean. It's easy to put up and take down, so my 8-year-old is able to put it up for use and put it back down to put it away. You can easily put at least four kids at this table. I'm thinking about buying a whole other one because we have lots of family get-togethers." —jen

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Plus, outdoor toys, wagons and strollers, must-haves for long car rides, and finds from Target.

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.